Fluid transfer devices

Abstract

A fluid transfer device may include a fluid transfer tip that has a tapered friction fitting for a corresponding hub and an additional means for gripping a hub in a locked position when connected to the fluid transfer tip by the friction fitting. A disconnecting member is provided with a resilient bias that causes it to engage the gripping means and thereby assist in holding the hub in the locked position. The disconnecting member is moveable relative to the fluid transfer tip and against the resilient bias so as to release engagement of the gripping means, move the hub out of the locked position provided by the gripping means and release the hub from the friction fitting.

We claim: 
     
         1 .- 62 . (canceled) 
     
     
         63 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection comprising:
 a male connector tip, the male connector tip being tapered to form a friction fit when inserted in a corresponding female hub;   a female hub connected, in use, to the male connector tip at least by the friction fit;   a disconnecting member moveable relative to the male connector tip between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position towards a distal end of the male connector tip; and   means for gripping the female hub when connected to the tip in use;   wherein the female hub comprises a tapered internal surface and an outer thread;   wherein the gripping means is configured to grip the outer thread; and   wherein the disconnecting member is arranged to release the gripping means from the outer thread when moving between the first and second positions.   
     
     
         64 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , wherein the gripping means operates automatically when the male connector tip is connected to the female hub. 
     
     
         65 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , wherein the disconnecting member is provided with a resilient bias. 
     
     
         66 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , wherein the gripping means comprises one or more latch members or snap-fit members. 
     
     
         67 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , wherein the gripping means comprises one or more gripping fingers arranged to grip onto the outer thread. 
     
     
         68 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 67 , wherein the gripping fingers comprise one or more gripping teeth. 
     
     
         69 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 67 , wherein the gripping fingers comprise at least one thread arranged to engage with the outer thread on the hub. 
     
     
         70 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 67 , wherein the gripping fingers comprise a stepped gripping surface. 
     
     
         71 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , wherein the disconnecting member comprises a lever member pivotally connected to the device with a front surface moveable between the first and second positions relative to the male connector tip. 
     
     
         72 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 71 , further comprising a leaf spring, wherein the lever member is resiliently biased by the leaf spring. 
     
     
         73 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 65 , further comprising a locking arrangement to lock the disconnecting member against the resilient bias. 
     
     
         74 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 72 , further comprising a locking arrangement to lock the lever member against the resilient bias of the leaf spring. 
     
     
         75 . A fluid transfer device according to  claim 63 , further comprising a fluid chamber in communication with the male connector tip. 
     
     
         76 . A fluid transfer device according to  claim 75 , wherein the first position is proximal to the fluid chamber. 
     
     
         77 . A fluid transfer device according to  claim 75 , consisting of a syringe or pre-filled syringe. 
     
     
         78 . A fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , consisting of a fluid transferring connection for a hose or tubing. 
     
     
         79 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 63 , comprising a female hub connected to the male connector tip at least by the friction fit, wherein the female hub comprises a tapered internal surface and an outer thread. 
     
     
         80 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 79 , wherein the female hub comprises the outer thread at its base. 
     
     
         81 . A fluid transfer device or fluid transferring connection according to  claim 79 , wherein the female hub comprises the outer thread spaced from its base by a skirt portion. 
     
     
         82 . A fluid transfer device according to  claim 79 , wherein the female hub comprises a cannula or hypodermic needle and the fluid transfer device comprises a syringe.